Should You Call a Window and Door Doctor?
Window and door maintenance and repair benefits home owners by lowering energy bills while also increasing comfort and security. Many homeowners have renovated their homes to increase the value of their home and improve their living condition without having to relocate.
Repair any loose or rotting casing as soon as you can. These are typically a sign of moisture penetration and can be repaired with minimal cost.
Cracked or Broken Glass
If your window's glass has broken or cracked you're probably wondering if you can fix it or if you should to purchase a replacement. The answer depends on a variety of factors, including the severity of the break and the cause, and what type of glass is used in your windows.
In the majority of cases, it's simpler to repair a cracked window than replace it. It's important to identify the cause of the crack, and then act quickly so that it doesn't become worse. This is particularly crucial with fractures from impact, such as a rock from the lawn mower or an object thrown by kids.
Take out any window pieces that are still in its frame or lying on the floor. Wear gloves that are heavy duty, and wear protective eyewear. If there is any glazing holding the pieces in place you can use a putty blade or chisel to gently release them.
After you have removed any shards of glass Clean up the area and dispose of them properly. Always wear protective gloves and closed-toe shoes when handling mirror or glass pieces, as they can be extremely sharp. It is also recommended to secure off the area, close the door, and tell your family members not to be allowed to enter until the broken glass is cleaned.
Make sure to inspect the frame, multins and mullions which support the glass pane. These parts can be damaged by rust and corrosion, which could lead to further problems with the windows.
Replace the window if you are worried about the long-term effects. Tempered glass is stronger than regular glass and shatters into small granular chunks which are less likely to cause injury than sharp fragments of glass that are typical.
If you're not sure about tackling the job yourself or you think it would be more efficient to have your window replaced or repaired, contact a professional help with repairs or replacement. Window and door specialists are skilled at repairing or replacing doors and windows damaged by storms, vandalism, or other occurrences. They can assist you in deciding whether a quick fix is better than a full replacement.
Frame Damaged
It's not surprising that the window frame is damaged. Some damages are cosmetic and can be easily repaired, however other damage such as damaged frames could be more severe and should be addressed immediately to avoid more expensive repairs or replacement.
The wood rot that is a part of the windows frames isn't just unsightly but can also trigger a wide range of problems like mold, fungus and pests that could affect both your home's value and health. To fix this problem remove any weatherstripping, before cutting away the rotten wooden with a chisel or a saw. Once you've removed the damaged portion of the frame, make use of a kit available online or at a hardware store that comes with all the equipment and parts you need to repair it.
Moisture-related cracks in the window framing are another common issue that should be addressed as soon as possible. This is particularly important because North Carolina often experiences high humidity levels, which could cause wood to expand and shrink as it absorbs and releases moisture. When the wood cracks, it allows moisture to leak into your home, which can be damaging to the structure of your house and your belongings and even the health of your family.
Another common problem is having difficulty opening or closing a window. This is caused by a variety of reasons. The issue could be caused by a buildup of dust or dirt which creates a problem for the sash or frame to move.
If your window frame exhibits obvious signs of damage following an event, it's recommended to consult an expert. The damage may be so severe that a total replacement of your window could be the only or most effective option. Depending on your insurance policy, you may be eligible to file a claim to pay for any repair or replacement costs.
Damaged Seals
Window seals provide the final layer of protection against moisture and air infiltration that could damage windows. They also help to maintain the temperature in the room and help reduce energy costs. If you find that your window seals aren't working or you've noticed an increase in your energy bills, it is essential to fix the issue before it gets any worse.
The glass in your windows, whether they're single-paned or double-paned, is held together by a spacer made of aluminum and a polyurethane sandwiched between the two panes. The fluctuation in temperature in the sun of Phoenix can cause the material to degrade over time which allows air and humidity to enter the panes. If the window is made up of inert gas, its increased insulating value is also lost. This is why a window that has broken seals can become foggy.
The best thing to do should you suspect that your window seals aren't working is to follow the manufacturer's care instructions. It might seem like a simple task, but it's something that many homeowners skip over. Cleaning your windows with the recommended cleaning agent will prolong their life and ensure they are in good condition.
The signs that the window seal is not working include a drafty feeling particularly on the cold winter days. This is due to the warm air inside your home is being drawn out of the window by the cold air outside. If you notice that your energy bills are higher than usual it could be because your windows allow in more cold air.
Another sign that the seals on your windows are failing is if you can see moisture in the window's glass. This moisture may be thin, clear lines or it could be a long-lasting cloud that blocks your view of the outdoors. window doctor near me between the glass is a result of an infiltration breach caused by the window seal failing, and it can usually be repaired by resealing the spacer in the aluminum with polyurethane.
Muntins and Mullions Damaged
Muntins and Mullions, the strips of wood that separate panes of glass in single-pane windows, may be real or fake. If they are damaged, window repair experts are able to repair them. They will take the glass, scrape and clean the area, and then rebuild any damaged or broken muntins or mullions. This is often a cheaper solution than replacing an entire window.
Often problems that are not obvious are often overlooked. While the frame's condition can be apparent from the force of rain snow melt, humidity, other issues might not be as obvious. A crack in the dripcap (the metal cap that protects the top of the frame) could allow moisture into the home. This can lead to rot and mould. A damaged sash cable could also cause rattles or draughts when the windows are closed or opened.
A leaking window or one that has caused draughts could be costly to fix, especially in the event that the water leaks through the wall. It is crucial to get any leaks repaired immediately after they are detected. Draughts are usually caused by defective hinges in old windows or by poorly designed windows that let air through. Window & Door Doctor is able to repair draughts and leaks without having to replace the entire window.
If the casing that surrounds your window is sagging, cracked, rotten, or missing, it will have to be replaced. This isn't a job for an amateur, as the surrounding wall could be in a state of disrepair and need to be rebuilt also. Casings that are loose are ugly, but more importantly it allows air and moisture to enter the home, which reduces energy efficiency. Most home centers offer primed wood exterior casings or low-maintenance PVC or vinyl items. They are more resistant to weather than wood, but they will require painting frequently to preserve the quality of the product. No matter the material, any replacement casings must be painted with a high-quality exterior paint.